Australia’s Israel Folau, left, is tackled by South Africa’s Willem Alberts, right, and teammate Morne Steyn, during the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Australia, at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)Themba Hadebe/Associated Press

The Rugby Championship Odds: Argentina vs. Australia Betting Preview, Analysis

OddsShark.comOct 5, 2016

Argentina will host the first-ever Rugby Championship match in Europe as they face Australia at Twickenham in London on October 9. Both sides head into this fixture on the back of a loss, as the Pumas were defeated by New Zealand in Argentina, while the Wallabies were unable to beat the Springboks in South Africa.

With the travel miles clocking up at a steady rate for both teams, this game could come down to who has the best conditioning program.

The last two times these sides met, Australia were the victors, including the Rugby World Cup semi-final on the same ground as they will play this weekend. Accordingly, the Wallabies are heavy favorites at $1.38 (AUD), according to AustralianGambling.

Despite injury worries in the back row, Australia will head to the neutral venue with plenty of confidence, hoping that the large expat community in London comes out in force to cheer them on.

The Pumas have won only one game this year in the Rugby Championship—against the Springboks on home soil. Their away form has been an area of contention as they have struggled without the advantage of a home crowd. While moving this game to London may make sense commercially, it may not do so for their hopes of winning.

According to AustralianGambling, Argentina stand at $3.05, but they have shown glimpses in recent weeks that they do have the quality to beat the Wallabies.

Both teams possess limitless talent throughout their back lines and pose a threat from anywhere on the field. For the first tryscorer to be one of the men in the backs wearing number 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, it's $1.70, while any other number/penalty try/tryless match stands at $2.10.

Australia demonstrated last week against the Springboks that their big men up front have the skills to get across the line just as well as the backs.

While New Zealand may have dominated the competition, it is essential for both Australia and Argentina that they continue to look to improve. Performances will be scrutinized, but victory is essential.